Sunday, November 17
09:30 – 10:30 Venue: Surma
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only)
Money Trails and Broken Promises: Fighting Corruption in Public Service
Illicit finance, bribery, and corruption have long undermined the effectiveness of public service delivery in many regions, diverting resources meant for vital services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These corrupt practices weaken trust in government institutions, exacerbate inequality, and stifle economic growth. In this session, experts will delve into the complexities of illicit finance networks, explore how bribery impacts service delivery, and identify practical solutions to combat these issues. This session will focus on strategies for strengthening governance, improving transparency, and enhancing accountability in public service sectors. Attendees will learn about cutting-edge approaches to detecting and preventing illicit financial flows, best practices for curbing corruption, and case studies from countries that have made significant strides in safeguarding public service integrity.
Speakers:
Anurag Acharya, Director, Policy Entrepreneurs Incorporated, Nepal
Fayyaz Yaseen Bhidal, Executive Director, Accountability Lab Pakistan
Mushtaq Khan, Professor, Department of Economics, SOAS South Asia Institute, UK
Tanvir Mahmud, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh (Moderator)
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only) Venue: Meghna
Choking on Progress: Air Quality and Fossil Fuel Dilemmas in a Growing Indo-Pacific
As the Indo-Pacific region experiences rapid economic growth and urban expansion, it also faces an escalating crisis in air quality, with fossil fuel dependency at the heart of the issue. This panel will explore the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuel emissions, the competing pressures of industrialization and climate action, and the socio-political challenges of implementing cleaner energy solutions. Panelists will discuss pathways toward sustainable development that balance growth with the urgent need for cleaner air, addressing the fractured priorities of economies, communities, and governments across the region.
Speakers:
A R M Meherab Ali, Executive Director, ARCED Foundation, Bangladesh
Tanzeem Chowdhury, CEO, Omera Petroleum Limited and Omera Cylinders Limited, Bangladesh
Touseef Mehraj Raina, Founder, JK Policy Institute, India
Judith Mwaniki, Director, Development Programmes, Consortium of Economic Research and Development Studies, Kenya (Moderator)
Conversation over Tea (By Invitation Only) Venue: Chitra
Supply Chain Disruptions: Navigating Economic Recovery in a Fragile World
Asia is home to some of the world’s most critical supply chains, from electronics manufacturing in Taiwan and South Korea to garment production in Bangladesh. However, the region has seen significant disruptions, from semiconductor shortages to shipping bottlenecks, as geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S. escalate. The impact of these disruptions on economies such as Japan, Malaysia, and India underscores the fragility of global supply networks. This session will provide insights into how Indo-Pacific economies are addressing these vulnerabilities and rebuilding stronger, more resilient supply chains, from reshoring production to investing in automation and technology.
Speakers:
David Morris, CEO, Australia China Business Council
Mamun Rashid, Economic Analyst; Chairman, Financial Excellence Ltd, Bangladesh
Simon Kofi Tettey, Shipping Management Business Analyst, World Health Organization (WHO), Global Service Centre, Malaysia
Krzysztof Zalewski, President, Michał Boym Institute for Asian and Global Studies, Poland (Moderator)
11:00 – 11:20 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Special Address
Moussa Mara, Former Prime Minister of Mali; Member, Club de Madrid
11:20 – 12:40 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Turbulent Waters: Navigating Maritime Security in a Divided Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific’s maritime corridors are vital for global trade but increasingly fraught with security challenges, from territorial disputes to piracy and environmental threats. This panel will explore pressing security issues, such as tensions in the South China Sea and illegal fishing in the Bay of Bengal. Panelists will discuss collaborative approaches, including ASEAN’s maritime security initiatives and the Quad’s naval cooperation, to promote stability in these contested waters and safeguard economic lifelines in a fractured world.
Speakers:
David Brewster, Senior Research Fellow, National Security College, Australia
Dominique Rakotozafy, Former Minister of National Defense, Madagascar
Nardia Simpson, Acting High Commissioner, Australian High Commission in Bangladesh
Sanjay Kumar Bhardwaj, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad, Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development
Leonardo Paz Neves, Researcher, International Intelligence Unit, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Brazil (Moderator)
12:40-14:00 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Power Shifts: The Geopolitical Chessboard in a Fragmented World
The Indo-Pacific is at the center of a global power struggle, with China’s growing military presence in the South China Sea raising alarm among neighboring nations. India, with its expanding influence in the region, is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to China’s dominance. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) between the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India is a key strategic response to China’s assertiveness. This session will dissect the shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on how nations are responding to China’s rise and what it means for regional stability, diplomacy, and global governance.
A N M Muniruzzaman, President, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS)
Aamna Khan, PhD Candidate, Jilin University, China
Gregory Simons, Associate Professor, Turiba University in Riga, Latvia
Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation Bangladesh
Sreeradha Dutta, Professor, OP Jindal Global University, India
Parvez Karim Abbasi, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Governance Studies, Bangladesh (Moderator)
14:00 – 15:00
Lunch Venue: Oasis
15:00 – 15:10 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Pranay Verma, Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh
15:10 – 16:30 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Breaking the News: Freedom of the Press vs. Weaponised Information
In India and Bangladesh, journalists have faced increasing pressure from both political actors and external threats as freedom of the press becomes a battleground. The use of state-controlled narratives, particularly in conflict regions such as Kashmir, highlights how weaponized information can suppress dissent and silence journalists. In Southeast Asia, countries like Cambodia and Thailand are clamping down on press freedom, often by using state-run media to suppress opposition voices. This session will spotlight how authoritarian regimes across the Indo-Pacific are weaponizing information, the critical role independent media plays in challenging these tactics, and how global coalitions can bolster efforts to protect press freedom in the face of disinformation warfare.
Andre Carstens, Chargè D’ Affaires, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh
Biswas Baral, Editor, The Kathmandu Post, Nepal
Stephen Kovats, Director, Agency for Open Culture and Critical Transformation gGmbH, Germany
Suhashini Sherene Haidar, Diplomatic Editor, The Hindu, India
Tanvir Mahmud, Senior Governance Specialist, UNDP Bangladesh
Marcus Davies, Political Counsellor, Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh (Moderator)
16:30 – 16:40 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Ambassadorial Reflections
Yousef S. Y. Ramadan, Palestine Ambassador in Bangladesh
16:40 – 17:30 Venue: Grand Ballroom
Fortifying Institutions in an Age of Populism: Strategies for Democratic Resilience and Integrity
In an era marked by the rise of populist movements and leaders across the globe, democratic institutions are facing unprecedented pressures. Populism, often fueled by public dissatisfaction with the political establishment, economic disparities, and cultural anxieties, challenges the very foundations of institutional integrity. Whether in the form of attacks on the judiciary, the erosion of checks and balances, or the undermining of the free press, populism threatens to weaken the institutions that safeguard democracy and the rule of law. This session will explore how institutions can be reinforced against these rising pressures through strategic reforms, innovations, and international cooperation needed to strengthen institutional integrity and ensure democratic resilience.
Speakers:
Hadza Min Fadhli Robby, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, Islamic University of Indonesia
Hallelujah Wondimu, PhD Researcher, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford, UK
Selma Obarcanin, Chief Marketing Officer, SO.. Quantum Growth Agency, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tanyel Bedia Taysi, Country Director-Bangladesh, The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
Touseef Mehraj Raina, Founder, JK Policy Institute, India
Jovan Ratkovic, Senior Fellow, Agora Strategy Group AG, Germany (Moderator)
17:30 – 18:30
Tea / Coffee Venue: Oasis
18:30 – 20:00 Venue: Surma
Symposia (By Invitation Only)
Beyond the Belt and Road: China’s Strategic Ambitions and the Future of BRICS
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has already transformed connectivity in Asia, yet its ambitions extend far beyond infrastructure. This session will delve into China’s broader goals, from securing supply chains to exerting soft power across the Indo-Pacific. Panelists will discuss the evolving dynamics within BRICS, particularly following the inclusion of new members and how this expansion impacts global power structures. Examples include BRICS’ stance on global financial reform and China’s increasing influence within the bloc, examining if BRICS can create a cohesive strategy in a fragmented world.
Speakers:
Smruti S Pattanaik, Research Fellow, Manohar Parikkar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, India
Wu Lin, Associate Professor, Institute of Asian Studies (IAS), China Foreign Affairs University
Yoshikazu Kato, Research Fellow, Rakuten Securities Economic Research Institute, Japan
Victoria Panova, Head, BRICS Expert Council, Russia (Moderator)
Venue: Meghna
Symposia (By Invitation Only)
Emerging Threats: Hybrid Warfare and the Future of Global Security
The Indo-Pacific has become a focal point for hybrid warfare, with cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and economic coercion increasingly employed as strategic tools. Recent cyberattacks on Indian and Australian critical infrastructure, along with China’s use of disinformation to influence narratives in Hong Kong and Taiwan, exemplify these threats. This session will unpack how hybrid warfare is reshaping the security landscape in the region and what nations can do to counter these multifaceted threats. Panelists will explore strategic defenses, multilateral cooperation, and the future of security in an increasingly connected and volatile Indo-Pacific.
Speakers:
Arun K Sahni, Former General Officer Commanding in Chief, Indian Army
Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, Center for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan
Petr Topychkanov, Head of the Section for New Challenges in South and Southeast Asia, Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russia
Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow and Head, Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research (BCTR) (Moderator)
Symposia (By Invitation Only) Venue: Chitra
The New Global Marketplace: Economic Power, Trade Wars, and Cooperation
With China asserting itself as a dominant force in the global marketplace, trade relations within the Indo-Pacific are being redefined. India has been taking steps to increase its self-reliance, particularly in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors, as part of its “Make in India” initiative. Meanwhile, the U.S.-China rivalry continues to drive global tensions, leading to economic realignment across the region. In this session, panelists will explore how the trade dynamics between emerging Asian economies and global powers are shaping the future of the international economic order. How will these shifting alliances impact industries and supply chains? And how can nations within the Indo-Pacific harness these changes to enhance their economic standing?
Anil Trigunayat, President, Millennial India International Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, India
Pramod Jaiswal, Research Director, Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), Nepal
Sriparna Pathak, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Northeast Asian Studies, OP Jindal Global University, India
Suthikorn Kingkaew, Advisor, KBU Research Institute, Thailand (Moderator)
20:30-10:30 Venue: Pool Cafe
Dinner (By Invitation Only)
Special Session Venue: Padma
15:00 – 17:00
Roundtable (Closed Door - Media Only)
SAARC and Beyond: New Pathways for South Asian Unity and Cooperation
As SAARC struggles to meet its goals due to political obstacles, the region is looking toward alternative cooperation models. This plenary session will dive into the structural and political roadblocks that have limited SAARC’s impact, exploring the organization’s potential to remain relevant in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. As South Asia’s population grapples with common issues, including climate-induced disasters, cross-border migration, and poverty alleviation, panelists will assess the future of SAARC and ask critical questions: Can SAARC be revitalized, or is it time to shift focus toward alternative frameworks for collaboration? How can South Asia strengthen regional unity in an environment marked by national interests and unresolved conflicts? Panelists will also explore the role of track 2 diplomacy, using examples like cross-border environmental dialogues in the Himalayas, to reduce friction and identify opportunities for collective growth, ensuring that cooperation is achievable even in a fractured South Asia.
Key Discussion Points:
- Reevaluating SAARC’s Role: Analyzing SAARC’s achievements and limitations and exploring its potential for future relevance in a fractured region.
- Track 2 Diplomacy as a Bridge: Showcasing successful unofficial diplomacy efforts that have reduced tensions, built trust, and provided solutions where formal mechanisms have faltered.
- Overcoming Political Barriers: Identifying specific actions that governments and civil society can take to address divisive issues like cross-border trade restrictions, security concerns, and resource-sharing conflicts.
Speakers:
Aamna Khan, PhD Candidate, Jilin University, China
Abdullah Rasheed Ahmed, Former State Minister, Ministry of Education, Maldives
Anurag Acharya, Director, Policy Entrepreneurs Inc, Nepal
Constantino Xavier, Senior Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), India
Irfan Yar, Founder and Managing Director, Afghanistan Security Institute, Canada
M. Shafiullah, Board Member CGS; Former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Libya
Mohammad Amir Rana, President, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), Pakistan
Pramod Jaiswal, Research Director, Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE), Nepal
Sanjoy K Bhardwaj, Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow and Head Bangladesh Centre for Terrorism Research (BCTR), Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) (Facilitator)
Sohail Mahmood, Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) & Former Foreign Secretary, Pakistan
Sriparna Pathak, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Northeast Asian Studies, OP Jindal Global University, India
Suvojit Bagchi, India Correspondent, Prothom Alo
18:30 – 20:00
Town Hall
Investing in Tomorrow: The Future of FDI in Bangladesh’s Evolving Economy
Description: Bangladesh has seen impressive growth in recent years, but barriers like regulatory hurdles, infrastructure constraints, and political uncertainty continue to pose challenges to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This session will explore the future of FDI in Bangladesh, analyzing high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, ICT, and the pharmaceutical industry. Panelists will discuss case studies, including recent investments in the textile and power sectors, and assess how Bangladesh can create a more welcoming investment climate to achieve its vision of becoming a regional economic hub.
Speakers:
Abdul Awal Mintoo, Former President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Ana Maria Paraschiv, International Business Consultant; Founder of Ubuntu World Consulting, Romania
Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir, Chairman, Max Group, Bangladesh
K.M. Mozibul Hoque, Chairman - Shah Group & TAS Group
Kyle Inan, CEO, KI Asset Management Company, Turkiye
Laura Larocchia, Marketing & Operations Manager, Disal Consulting, Italy
Mir Nasir Hossain, Former President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Selma Obarcanin, Chief Marketing Officer, SO..Quantum Growth Agency, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tanvir Ahmed, Managing Director, Sheltech Group, Envoy Textiles & Green Textiles
Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Professor, Development Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (Moderator)
Studio Session, Venue: Titas
11:00 to 11:30
The Future is Green: Exploring the Potential of Startups in Alternative Energy Solutions
Arjan de Haan, Senior Program Specialist, International Development Research Centre, Canada
Krzysztof M. Zalewski , President, Michał Boym Institute for Asian and Global Studies, Poland
Chada El Islam Benmahcene, Founder & CEO, ENTROGX AI Ventures, Algeria (Moderator)
12:00 to 12:30
Cost of Development: Leveraging International Trade to Fight Poverty
Faris Hadrovic, Managing Director, CBD d.o.o. Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Karori Singh, Former Director and Emeritus Fellow, South Asia Studies Centre, University of Rajasthan, India
Abdul Haque, President , BARVIDA. (Moderator)
13:00 to 13:30
Essential Policies and Reforms for Fighting Corruption
Abdul Majid, Former Chairman, National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh
Suthikorn Kingkaew, Advisor, KBU Research Institute, Thailand
Narayan Adhikari, co-founder and South Asia representative, Accountability Lab Nepal. (Moderator),
15:00 to 15:30
Communication for the Masses: Free Speech vs Hate Speech
Leo Wigger, Director, South Asia and Eurasia at Candid Foundation; Editor, Zenith Magazine, Germany
S. M. Shameem Reza, Professor, Department of Mass Communication & Journalism, University of Dhaka
Debjyoti Chanda, Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Rabindra Bharati University, India (Moderator)
16:00 to 16:30
Development for all: pathways to inclusive and sustainable growth
Judith Mwaniki, Director, Development Programmes, Consortium of Economic Research and Development Studies, Kenya
Samiha Khan, Lecturer, Department of Development Studies, Daffodil University
Ario Bimo, Assistant Professor, East Java Veterans National Development University, Indonesia (Moderator)
17:00 to 17:30
Displaced: Unresolved Fates of Refugees Across the World
Asif Munier, Migration and Refugee Affairs Specialist.
Simon Kofi Tettey, Shipping Management Business Analyst, World Health Organization (WHO), Global Service Centre, Malaysia
Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Professor, Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka (Moderator)